As Italians, we brought to the U.S. many customs and traditions, and we keep honoring them as our ancestors used to do. But do we know where those traditions come from? Some of them are quite new, while some others date back to centuries ago.

The one of St. Joseph Table is one of the oldest Italian traditions still celebrated in the U.S. According to the legend, many centuries ago Sicily was devastated by a terrible drought and as a consequence by a famine. The population could only hope for a miracle, and decided to dedicate all the prayers to Saint Joseph, patron of workers and the protector of the family. Apparently, their prayers were answered, as the rain came, the famine ended, and Sicilians could recover and get back to a normal life. Without ever forgetting the grace received. First of all, they gathered together to pay homage to the Saint that saved them. The wealthiest families provided food for everyone, and since then, the celebration, known as Saint Joseph's Table, has been repeated every year.

Read more

Fonte: L'italo-Americano